Citizens Of Heaven
Citizens Of Heaven
This past week has been heavy. I had a sermon prepared, wrapped up, and ready to go. But then came the news of activist Charlie Kirk’s public assassination—tragically, in front of his wife and kids. And that wasn’t the only act of violence we have witnessed lately. A school shooting in Colorado. A stabbing on a train in Charlotte. A shooting at a Christian school in Minneapolis. The list goes on.
It feels like violence is piling up, and honestly, I can’t even keep up anymore. But something shifted this week. I felt uneasy about moving forward as if everything were normal. Instead, I wanted to pause, pray, and look at what God’s Word says about how we live in times like these.
Philippians 1:27 reminds us:
“Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.” (NLT)
Paul wrote these words to a Roman colony—a people who understood what it meant to have citizenship in a place they weren’t physically living. In the same way, we are citizens of heaven. We may not be there yet, but we’re called to live like it now.
So, how do we do that?
- We Recognize That We Are Living in a Spiritual War
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us:
“Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (NIV)
People are not our enemy. Your spouse isn’t the enemy. Your ex isn’t the enemy. A politician, a coworker, or a neighbor isn’t the enemy. The Devil is. And if we fight the wrong battles, we lose sight of the real one.
- We Mourn and Grieve All Death
Romans 12:15 says, “Mourn with those who mourn.”
When Charlie Kirk was killed, many people openly celebrated his death. That is demonic. Every single person is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This is the Imago Dei—the truth that gives every human being dignity, value, and worth.
As citizens of heaven, we should never rejoice over the loss of life. We grieve. We weep. We recognize the brokenness of our world and long for God’s redemption.
- We Do Not Live in Fear
In uncertain times, fear often feels like the most natural response. But 2 Timothy 1:7 declares:
“God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (NLT)
Citizens of heaven are called to live with courage. We walk in faith, not in fear.
- We Seek Peace and Unity With All People
In John 17, Jesus prayed that His followers would be one, so the world would believe that He was sent by the Father.
Unity doesn’t mean uniformity. We don’t all need to look alike, vote alike, or think alike. But we do need to love alike. We need to pursue peace.
Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” The church is called to model reconciliation in a world that thrives on division.
- We Pray for Revival
If history teaches us anything, it’s that revival changes everything. Revivals have reduced crime, healed families, and transformed communities. And every single one of them started with prayer, repentance, and a return to God.
2 Chronicles 7:14 gives us the blueprint:
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (NIV)
The hope of our world isn’t in politics, culture, or movements. It’s in the power of God poured out on His people.
Final Thought
We are citizens of heaven. This world isn’t our home. And while we grieve, pray, and stand against evil, we also live with hope. Because one day, the Kingdom of Heaven will fully come, and God will wipe every tear from our eyes.
Until then, let’s live like heaven is already here.
***This blog post was adapted from a sermon preached by Pastor Jason Kimbrow at Legacy Church. Click the “Watch Sermon” button below to view the sermon in its entirety.***